About Progressive education

What is Progressive education?

emphasises personal relationships in order to build healthy individuals who learn together in a community

is inclusive and has a celebratory attitude towards the gifts learners bring

what learners are able to do and know about themselves becomes central to the learning process; it is a learner-directed and/or managed approach

teacher intervention may be minimal at certain times and in certain areas

teaching is usually in context, using concrete materials and the principles of holistic and conceptual learning, supporting any specific learning the child needs or desires, rather than behavioral approaches such as drills and repetitive rote learning for their own sake

Organisations

ADEC

It is for learners and educators regardless of age. It is for all in the community who wish to share and extend their experience and knowledge of such education. AAPAE provides a forum for discussion, debate, and research, a network for sharing and support and an incorporated association of likeminded individuals, schools, learning centres and education institutions working together on common issues.

democratic governance by children and staff together, without reference to any supposedly superior guide or system.

Members are self-selected. Their names and addresses and a minimal description appear in a data-base on the web site, and they receive two or three newsletters a year, mainly giving information about recent and future IDECs.

AERO

AERO's mission is to help create an education revolution to make student-centered alternatives available to everyone.

Towards this end, AERO provides information, resources and guidance to families, schools and organizations regarding their educational choices. AERO disseminates information internationally on topics such as: homeschooling, public and private alternative schools, and charter schools. AERO's long-term goal is to become a more effective catalyst for educational change by providing books, magazines, conferences, online courses, consultations, support groups, free videos, and organizational information and seminars in the field of alternative education.

John Dewey

John Dewey was a leading intellectual of his period and a major advocate of progressive education, educational and social reform.

Books:

'Experience and Education'

'Democracy and Education'

John Taylor Gatto

John Taylor Gatto is a retired school teacher with nearly 30 years experience in the classroom, named New York City Teacher of the Year on three occasions and author of several books on education. He is an activist critical of compulsory schooling and active supporter of unschooling.

John Holt

John Holt (1923-1985) was a teacher and controversial education writer who advocated school reform and ultimately became one of the forces behind the homeschooling movement of the 70’s and 80’s. He wrote ten books about education and founded the magazine 'Growing Without Schooling'.

Peter Gray

Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology at Boston College. He has conducted and published research in comparative, evolutionary, developmental, and educational psychology; published articles on innovative teaching methods and alternative approaches to education.

Robin Grille

Robin Grille is a former Kinma parent, a psychologist in private practice with twenty years' experience, and a parenting educator.

A passionate speaker and social change activist, Robin's extensive research has led him to feel that improved attention to babies' and children's emotional needs is the most powerful way to move societies toward sustainability and peace.

Louise Porter

An Australian Child Psychologist with almost 30 years' experience in private practice, consulting with parents and practitioners about children's development, behaviour, and social or emotional challenges. Louise has worked in mainstream and disability agencies and lectured at Flinders University in South Australia, having spoken extensively in Australia and internationally.

Western Australia

New Zealand

Open days

Kinma's next Preschool Open Morning is on Wednesday 22nd August, 2018, 9.30 - 11.30am.Kinma Preschool is a delightful haven offering play-based learning in a spacious, natural setting. Hear more about how play and imagination are integral to our education approach and how children can choose to participate in a wide range of activities during the Preschool day, including French, basketball, bushwalks, gardening, cooking and more. Morning Tea will be provided over Q&A and a chat with staff and parents. To book in call 9450 0738.